BIM for Masonry Initiative moving forward

Words: David Sovinski
Project managers have been named for the four major project areas of Phase II of the Building Information Modeling for Masonry (BIM-M) Initiative which will be implementing the roadmap developed in Phase I. These project managers are experts in the field of masonry design and construction.

The projects and managers include:
  1. Masonry Unit Model Definition, Manager Jeff Elder, Interstate Brick, West Jordan, Utah
  2. Masonry BIM Benchmark, Manager David Biggs, Biggs Consulting Engineering, Troy, NY
  3. Masonry Wall Model Definition, Manager - Jamie Davis, Ryan-Biggs Associates, Skaneateles, NY
    • Structural Modeling Group, Manager - Tomas Amor, Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN
    • Architectural Modeling Group, Manager - Maria Viteri, International Masonry Institute, Annapolis, MD
  4. BIM Contractor Input, Manager - Darrell McMillian, Masonry Institute of St. Louis, St Louis, MO
    • Contractor Education, Manager - David Biggs, Biggs Consulting Engineering, Troy, NY

These four projects will position masonry products, systems and delivery in a way that BIM software developers can implement the data into software packages.

BIM-M is an international initiative by the masonry industries of the United States and Canada that was created in 2012 to develop cutting edge software for use by architects, engineers, contractors, suppliers and masons. The purpose is to improve the design and construction of masonry buildings in North America.

For further information on the roadmap and/or National BIM-M Initiative, contact David Biggs at biggsconsulting@att.net.
Contractor Tip of the Month: Get Used to the Pain
April 2026

Pain isn’t just negative; it’s a natural part of growing and improving. Instead of seeing pain as a reason to quit, recognize it as a sign you’re making progress. What sets successful people apart is their ability to stay calm and keep going when things g

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
Fechino Files: Diesels Below 32 Degrees
April 2026

I am guessing that if you are reading this, then you experienced the cold, late-January spell that took over most of the country. The cold weather has many effects on the operations of a masonry contractor, from job shutdowns to equipment starting issues,

Steven Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More